Collect Specimens for Drugs of Abuse Testing

This course is ideal for individuals working or seeking employment in workplaces where drugs of abuse testing is conducted, including pathology collection centres, hospitals, health services, transport, mining, and industrial environments. Participants will learn how to maintain sample integrity, ensure accurate documentation, and manage chain of custody requirements throughout the collection process.

Graduates will be equipped to perform drug and alcohol collection duties safely, ethically, and professionally, ensuring compliance with standards such as AS/NZS 4308:2008, AS 4760:2019, and AS 3547:2019, while contributing to safe and compliant workplace practices.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Confirm collection requirements by identifying clients, verifying pre-testing criteria, and obtaining consent in line with organisational and regulatory procedures.
• Prepare for collection procedures by setting up appropriate environments, selecting correct equipment, and briefing clients according to national standards.
• Perform specimen collection for urine, oral fluid, and breath tests in accordance with AS/NZS standards and chain-of-custody protocols.
• Apply infection prevention and control practices to ensure safety and hygiene during all stages of specimen collection.
• Maintain specimen integrity by implementing strict documentation, labelling, and storage protocols that comply with legislative and organisational requirements.
• Complete post-collection procedures including waste disposal, verification of client information, and secure transfer or storage of samples.
• Demonstrate professional conduct and clear communication with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance, accuracy, and confidentiality throughout the testing process.

This unit is ideal for individuals working in, or seeking to enter, roles that require the collection of specimens for drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Australian Standards and legislative requirements. It is particularly suited to professionals in industries where maintaining a safe and compliant workforce is critical, including healthcare, pathology, mining, transport, aviation, and heavy industry.

The program provides learners with the skills to confirm collection requirements, prepare testing environments, collect and handle specimens, and maintain chain-of-custody documentation. It also builds confidence in applying infection-control procedures, using approved testing equipment, and managing confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.

This unit is designed for workplace health and safety officers, collection centre staff, occupational health technicians, medical or laboratory assistants, and site supervisors who are responsible for specimen collection, compliance monitoring, or maintaining safe-work environments; and including:

• Managers,
• Supervisors, 
• Site medical staff, 
• Persons responsible for screening organisational workers, and
• Those undertaking professional development within their Industry.

The following employment pathways across may be available to students who complete this program:

• Workplace drug and alcohol screener.

Study pathways from other qualifications into this program:

• N/A.

Pathways from this program to other qualifications or employment opportunities:

The units within this qualification may provide credit towards a range of other related qualifications.

Not applicable.

To enrol, you must have:

• Residency in Western Australia with proof of a local residential address.
• Legal right to work in Australia.
• Must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) number.
• Minimum age requirement is 18 years to complete this course.
• Sufficient identification for proof of identity.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills required for the course. An LLND assessment may be conducted at pre-enrolment to assess whether the applicant requires LLND support for this training skills, in line with qualification that you are undertaking.
• Be able to meet inherent physical requirements for the job role (standing, manual handling, PPE).

Delivery model: This is 1 day face-to-face training with 3 hours of course work prior to the course; blended options may apply.

Learning activities: Tutorials, workshops, case studies, videos, simulated screening, and—where available—workplace application.

Enterprise delivery: On-site airport training across WA is available (course duration may be adjusted for experienced staff).

Supervised activities by a Third-Party assessor: Candidates are required to complete at least 18 hours of work activities in a fortnight time period under the supervision by a person currently working in a collection role

Training and assessment is conducted in accordance with the Standards for RTOs 2025.

In line with training package requirements, you must complete one unit.

Unit

HLTPAT010 Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing 

The RTO will issue the learner with a testamur for the training completed: 

• HLTPAT010 Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing    

The learner will receive this either on completion of the course in person or in the mail within 30 days of the course completion. Course completion includes 18 hours of supervised work activities in a fortnight time period.

The RTO must not issue AQF certificates unless the student has been assessed competent in all required units within the qualification. The issuance of a certificate will also be subject to successful enrolment, payment of fees prior to issue.

Core Training Group is committed to providing inclusive and supportive training to all students. As part of this, we aim to ensure prospective students have the language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills required to successfully participate in their chosen course.

An LLND test can be administered for students who are unsure about returning to study or want to better understand their current skill level in relation to their prosed course. This helps us identify whether additional support or adjustment may be beneficial and ensures the course is a good fit for the student’s needs.

In context to training offered by Core Training Group, digital literacy requires students are able to operate a device and connect to the internet, access and navigate our LMS, aXcelerate, undertake and respond to general online communication and have a basic knowledge of device and internet troubleshooting.

We recognise the importance of incorporating digital technology into our training resources, in line with training package expectations.  There is no requirement that students use AI at the Certificate II Security Operations level.  Core Training Group provides resources and reading materials from which students can base their assessment answers.  

For this reason, students must not use AI to research or answer assessment questions. Suspected use of AI may result in a verbal assessment. If the student cannot clearly and accurately explain their answers, the assessment will be failed. For details, see our AI and Assessment Policies via the link at the bottom of our website.

We recognise that students come from diverse backgrounds, with varying levels of ability, previous education, and life experience. Core Training Group provides flexible and culturally responsive learning environments that are inclusive of all learners and encourage open conversations about learning needs during the enquiry or enrolment process.

While adjustments can be made to training and assessment procedures, we are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment that supports the diverse needs of all learners. Reasonable adjustments may be made to training and assessment methods, learning resources, or delivery approaches to ensure equal access and participation for every student.

Any adjustments implemented will maintain the integrity of the qualification and the competency standards required by industry and employers. This means students must still demonstrate all essential skills and knowledge to the level required for competency.

Reasonable adjustment involves carefully identifying and applying modifications that support individual learning needs without compromising the quality, fairness, or validity of assessment outcomes.

Training at Core Training Group includes a range of practical activities designed to reflect real workplace tasks and environments. Learners may be required to participate in activities that involve standing for extended periods, manual handling, bending, lifting, operating equipment or tools, and performing tasks in simulated or real workplace settings.

While the level of physical activity varies between courses, all learners are expected to demonstrate the capacity to safely complete the practical components of their training. This ensures they can meet the competency requirements and industry standards relevant to their qualification.

Learners with an injury, medical condition, or disability that may affect their participation are encouraged to discuss their individual needs with our team before enrolment. We can explore reasonable adjustments, alternative arrangements, or support options to ensure safe and equitable participation in training and assessment.

At Core, our priority is to maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can develop the practical skills, confidence, and competence required for their chosen career.

At Core Training Group, we understand that personal, financial, and social challenges can affect a learner’s ability to succeed. We provide confidential support and referrals to external services, which may include mental health care and community support. Our staff are trained to recognise when students may need extra help and can assist with navigating or arranging access to these services.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. Our wellbeing and counselling support promote mental health, resilience, and positive learning outcomes. Training and assessment are designed to ensure equal access for all learners, including those facing barriers such as disability, cultural background, or geographic isolation.

Core proudly collaborates with Aboriginal communities across Western Australia to deliver culturally appropriate training that respects local protocols and supports community development. We also provide reasonable adjustments and accessibility options to ensure students with disabilities can fully participate in their learning.

Through inclusive practices and strong community partnerships, Core aims to empower every learner to overcome challenges, achieve competency, and reach their educational and career goals.

Full policies (fees, refunds, RPL, complaints) are accessible in the Student Handbook or on the website.